Abbie Younie, age 88, of Wessington Springs, died July 6, 2024, at Weskota Manor surrounded by family. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Wessington Springs Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, also at the church, with a prayer services beginning at 7.
Abbie Lou Thompson was born on April 15, 1936, in Wessington Springs, SD. The youngest child of 6, to Lewis and Zida Thompson. The five older siblings all having blonde hair and blue eyes, were surprised and excited to see the new little sister with brown eyes and black hair.
Abbie attended country elementary school grades 1-8, with her everyday transportation, a lively horse named Peanuts. Abbie graduated from Wessington Springs High School in the class of 1954 and attended the Wessington Springs Seminary earning her teaching certificate. She taught country school at N.W. Harmony and Templeton School.
Abbie married Denny Younie on August 12, 1956. While in the Army they lived in Fountain, Colorado and in Nurenberg, Germany.
To this union three children were born: Janet Ilene (Curt Steichen), Cindy Lou (Chad O’Donnell), and Daniel Dennis.
Denny and Abbie lived in rural Harmony and Marlar townships after returning from Germany and then moved their family and house to Wessington Springs where they operated the W.S. Livestock Auction. She worked for the Jerauld County Treasurer’s Office and then became Deputy Auditor. She also worked as the Sheriff’s secretary and Office Manager for the Highway Department. She retired in 2011 after working for the county for over 36 years.
Abbie attended Harmony Friends Church where she served as church pianist for many years and was presently attending the Methodist Church in Wessington Springs.
Abbie was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the O.E.S. Vesper Chapter #81 where she held many offices including many years as Worthy Matron. In 2014, she was Grand Martha for the State of South Dakota. She was a volunteer for the Senior Center and a member of P.E.O.
Abbie loved going to the grandchildren’s activities - they were her pride and joy.
Abbie is survived by her children Danny of Wessington Springs, SD, Janet Steichen (Curt) of Eden Prairie, MN, Cindy O’Donnell (Chad) of Sioux Falls, SD, sister, Alma Mohling, Wessington Springs, friends of family, Deb and Jay Ball. Seven grandchildren, Matt Steichen, Sarah Steichen Stiles (Tom), Dylan O’Donnell (Kristina), Dobby O’Donnell (Ariel), Emmylu O’Donnell Johnson (Matt), Brady Younie (Lisa) and Kasey Younie Kroupa (Lane). Eight greatgrandchildren, Sienna and Croix Steichen, Lucy and Jack Johnson, Maisie O’Donnell, Callum O’Donnell, Kreighton Kroupa and Scout Younie.
Abbie was preceded in death by her husband Denny, her parents, brothers Lauren and Thomas and sisters Betty and Ila.
Arrangements are with Basham Funeral Service.
